I wanted to provide a basic reference for some of the cosmetic toxins that exist in US products. Many have been banned in Europe who happens to be ahead of us in eliminating toxins from their cosmetic products. I will blog in the future about some of the issues with chemical sunscreens. For now, here is a primer on some chemicals which you may wish to avoid:
- Phthalates
- May cause reproductive abnormalities in baby boys.
- May result in reduced testosterone and sperm quality in men.
- May cause early puberty in girls.
- Found in cosmetic fragrance mixtures.
- The law does not require full disclosure. To avoid: Purchase unscented personal care products or purchase from companies who have phased out these ingredients.
- Formaldehyde Releasers
- Some chemicals react with water in the bottle to generate formaldehyde, which acts as a preservative.
- Formaldehyde is a potent allergen and is carcinogenic.
- DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15 are examples of formaldehyde releasers.
- A 2010 study showed that nearly 1/5 of cosmetic products contained formaldehyde releasers.
- Johnson and Johnson has been phasing them out.
- Parabens
- Long chained parabens can act as estrogens and disrupt hormonal signaling and create impaired fertility.
- Propylparaben, isopropylparaben, butylparaben, and isobutylparaben are examples.
- Johnson and Johnson and Revlon started phasing them out in 2012.
- Triclosan and Triclocarban
- Triclosan is a bacteria-killing chemical found in toothpaste, liquid hand soaps, body washes, clothing, cutting boards, and other household goods.
- Interferes with thyroid signaling and male and female sex hormone signaling.
- Triclocarban is found in antibacterial bar soaps and is associated with reproductive abnormalities.
- Johnson and Johnson and Proctor and Gamble have been phasing them out.
- Hair straighteners with formaldehyde or formaldehyde-like chemicals
- Cancer-causing (carcinogenic), chemicals used in some hair straighteners.
- Still used despite warnings from the cosmetic industry’s own scientific advisory board and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
- Some nations have banned these chemicals.
- Methylene Glycol is another name for formaldehyde.
- Styrene
- A known human carcinogen found in scented personal care products, cologne, dish and laundry detergent, and foam cups.
- Fragrance loophole allows companies to use the generic term “fragrance” instead of disclosing the exact ingredients.
- The International Fragrance Association publishes an online “Transparency List”
- It will take reforms to Federal law for the FDA to enforce.
